Petra on Scottish award shortlist

A well-known Carnoustie cancer charity fundraiser and former town citizen of the year has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Petra McMillan, patron for Marie Curie and a devoted fundraiser, is in the running for a Scottish Charity Award.

Organised by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the awards, which are free to enter, celebrate the life-changing work of charities, community groups and individuals in all parts of Scotland.

Petra has been passionate about the work of Marie Curie since her mother, Renate, died of a brain tumour in 2009. Thanks to the care of local Marie Curie nurses, her mum spent her final days as she wished - at home, comfortable and with the family around her.

Starting small with craft fayres, a fun run and bake sale, Petra soon set her heights higher by abseiling down the University of Dundee Tower Building in 2010. This is now an annual event and has raised over £65,000 to date.

By bringing like-minded volunteers together, Petra founded two fundraising groups for Marie Curie in Dundee and Carnoustie, which have raised over £175,000 collectively. She has completed several physical challenges for Marie Curie including walking the West Highland Way, climbing Ben Nevis and cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia.

Petra said: “I’m really proud to represent Marie Curie and it’s a real honour to be nominated for this award. All our volunteers and supporters help us to create a real buzz about the charity locally and a better understanding of what Marie Curie does and why we do it.

“It is a huge reward to know that, because of what we do as a team to raise awareness and funds, the care is available for a family locally, when they need it.”

Martin Sime, Chief Executive, SCVO, added: “Year after year Scottish charities and voluntary organisations prove themselves to be beacons for creativity, tenacity and innovation. This year’s Scottish Charity Awards finalists demonstrate these qualities in abundance and are shining examples of how people can work together to make Scotland a better place.”

All shortlisted entries will also compete for the People’s Choice Award which will be decided by the public via online voting.

The full shortlist is available today (Monday) at http://www.scvo.org.uk/scottish-charity-awards